Justin Tuck aims to play vs. Colts

DE Justin Tuck is expecting to play Sunday against the Colts

Justin Tuck “definitely” anticipates he will play in Sunday night’s preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts.

The defensive end said as much on Tuesday before practice at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Tuck returned to the field yesterday after missing two practices and the preseason opener in Pittsburgh due to tightness in his back. He liked what he saw from his defense in the preseason-opener.

“I thought we did some good things,” Tuck said. “I think watching them in the first game, you’re always looking to see how you handle certain situations that you know are going to arise – different people doing a lot of different play-calling and things of that nature. I was impressed with just how we went out and played fast, and there really weren’t a lot of mistakes. There were some – and that’s obvious – but overall I thought we had a good first outing as a unit.”

It’s hard to tell these days because the Giants defensive ends have been switching sides so frequently before the snap, depending on personnel. Tuck played coy at first when asked about the flipping.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said. “What do you mean?”

Then he elaborated.

“It’s just something new,” he continued. “Something we’re trying to see if it can benefit this defense. It allows you to kind of showcase a little versatility, and it keeps things fresh. I think a lot of people don’t understand the difference in playing both sides. It’s completely different techniques. It’s a completely different way of going about things when you’re on the quarterback’s back side or front side and just the strength of the offense referring to left or right. But for me, it’s exciting. I’m looking forward to it and doing more of it and getting more of a feel of how it will be implemented into our defense this year.”

Tuck also addressed the NFL’s new rule prohibiting non-standard customized facemasks, like the one he currently wears and that drew attention last summer.

“They actually didn’t ban mine because mine wasn’t a fashion statement, I think some people told me,” Tuck explained. “I did mine as a necessity. So I think as of right now I still will be wearing that facemask, but I really don’t have any comments on why the rule is in place and that’s pretty much all I’ve got to say about that.”